Willow Point Country Club2544 Willow Point Road, Alexander City 256.212.1409 Newely renovated and as expected, provides both scenic beauty and challenging golf for its members. Considered one of the finest lakeside courses in the country by PGA pros. The par 72 18-hole private course is located on the edge of beautiful Lake Martin. The first nine holes feature pine trees and woods with some water hazards and sand traps. The back nine holes showcases Lake Martin on the peninsula portion of the course. Each year, Willow Point is host to numerous tournaments, invitationals and benefits.

Lakewinds Golf Course256.825.9860 County Road 40 East of the River Bridge, Alexander CityCompetitive rates and a bevy of birdie opportunities keep locals coming back to the public city golf course. This par 70 18-hole, old fashioned golf course with its circular greens makes chipping and putting challenging. Many of the tough greens are elevated. The facility, which includes a pro shop and concessions, has added a number of new carts and a putting green. Several benefit tournaments are held throughout the year.

StillWaters Golf and Country Club256.825.1353 797 Moonbrook Drive, DadevilleThe Highlands course is a challenging par 72 18-hole course. This picturesque course includes elevated trees and breathtaking views. In 1999, Golf Digest rated the Highlands four stars. The resort also features a state of the art practice facility, which includes a practice and lesson tee, putting and chipping greens; two practice bunkers, a practice fairway bunker and target greens. The recently built clubhouse is home to the 19th Hole restaurant, pro shop and cart storage.

Hatchett Creek Golf256.839.5612Old Sylacauga Highway Coosa Co Rd 66, GoodwaterA nine-hole par 35 public course. There are two extra greens and extra tees which make the back nine appear different from the front nine. There are a number of hills to make the back nine more difficult. The clubhouse offers snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. The course offers a number of E-Z golf carts. New driving range added in spring of 2004.

PARKS

Wind Creek State Park256-329-08454325 Alabama Highway 128, Alexander CityLocated off Highway 128 between Highways 63 and 280, sports one of the largest camp sites in Alabama. Campers, fishermen, and boaters from across the country come to Wind Creek to enjoy water sports on Lake Martin. Wet boat storage, paved boat ramp access, a marina, a full-service store and bait shop service all boaters. A swimming area and beach with a bathhouse, picnic areas, and hiking trails are available for campers or day-use. Wind Creek offers 635 campsites on its 1400 acres. For more information contact (256) 329-0845.

Horseshoe Bend Military ParkDaviston, ALHorseshoe Bend Military Park is a 2,040 acre National Military Park dedicated to the memory of US soldiers and Creek Nation Indians who died in the battle of Horseshoe Bend on March 27, 1814. The visitor center and museum depicts the period of battle and explains the equipment used by soldiers and Creek Indians. 2.8 miles of hiking trails cut through the park and meander along the Tallapoosa River. A self-guided tour drives visitors through the battlefield and visitors can often see a variety of wildlife. The park also offers a picnic area and pavilions with grills, slide presentations and historic re-enactment. A public boat ramp is also available. The park is located between New Site and Dadeville on Highway 49 North.

ATTRACTIONS

Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail

Tallapoosa County is part of the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail. Within the 766 square miles are seven official birding locations: The Alexander City Outdoor Recreation Network at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex; Central Alabama Community College; Cherokee Ridge; Coon Creek Nature Preserve; Holly Hills; Horseshoe Bend National Military Park; and Wind Creek State Park.

The Alexander City Sportsplex is an island of green minutes from US-280. Central Alabama Community College offers access to an open lake, scattered stands of mature hardwoods and pines, and a forested area as well as open, grassy lawns, all of which will attract their share of birdlife around the year. Cherokee Ridge has 11 miles of hiking trails, with one skirting the shoreline of Lake Martin for approximately 4 miles. Coon Creek Nature Preserve and Recreation Area offers access to 320 acres of pine-hardwood creek valley that feeds into Yates Lake. The Holly Hills Trail is a pleasant walking trail with very good plant and habitat diversity, and should boast a large variety of birds throughout the year. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park commemorates the battle in 1814 between Colonel Andrew Jackson and the Creek Indian nation. The fields, forests, waterways and trails of Horseshoe Bend NMP offer excellent opportunities to observe birds in a variety of habitats. Wind Creek State Park is situated on a wooded promontory overlooking Lake Martin. Ospreys and Bald Eagles nest on the lake and both species may be seen throughout the year.

Lake MartinTallapoosa County is also home to one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Lake Martin was formed after the completion of Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River. Martin Dam is used to generate hydroelectric power. The dam was begun in 1923 and completed in 1926. Lake Martin, with its 44,000 acres of crystal waters, can be enjoyed in January as well as July and every month of the year. One of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, Lake Martin is an excellent source of recreation. Lake Martin is a truly regional attraction for swimming, boating, fishing, skiing, camping and golfing. Lake Martin is one of our area's biggest assets.

Lake Martin Amphitheater256-329-08352544 Willow Point Road, Alexander CityThe amphitheater is an open-air site, located on the top of one of the rolling hills, high above the shores of Lake Martin. The many acres of open fields surrounding the amphitheater have a rolling topography, including several small streams, and are bordered by the lake and dense woods. The entire area provides a panoramic view of the Big Kowaliga Basin.

Lake Martin DamThe reservoir the dam created became the world's largest body of artificial water in 1926. Over 40,000 acres at full pool, with 750 miles of shoreline, and many islands of interest, swimming, diving, excellent fishing, power boating and sailing are popular activities on the lake. Located between Highways 24 and 50.

Children's HarborLocated just off Highway 63 at Kowaliga Bridge, the facility has a picturesque campus and a program offering therapeutic foster care for families and children. Visitors enjoy the New England-style church and lighthouse that are Lake Martin landmarks.

Chimney RockLake MartinChimney Rock is one of the most popular sites on Lake Martin. It is a popular island boating stop where daredevils climb to various points on the lone rock that juts from the island like a chimney - and jump into the lake.

Fourth of July FireworksLake MartinThe annual Fourth of July fireworks show is now being viewed from the Lake Martin Amphitheater. Many boaters come to the Kowaliga area to view the spectacular display. Also visible from many shorelines.

D.A.R.E. Power ParkD.A.R.E. Power Park is located between Alexander City and Dadeville on Young's Landing. It is the most recent recreation facility to be added in the Lake Martin area. The park features a swimming beach, two large pavilions, 13 picnic tables with grills, two fishing piers and an amphitheater. Entrance fee of $2 per person. The park is open 9am - 8pm, May through September. The adjacent boat ramp is free and open year round, 24 hours a day.